Patchwork of Counterterrorism: Analyzing European Types of Cooperation in Sahel

Abstract The overlapping of a series events in the region has brought Sahel under spotlight many European countries. It been argued that peculiar transnational nature terrorist groups area represents concrete threat to security. France, specifically, led and encouraged initiatives, which aim stabilize region, calling for different degrees counterterrorism cooperation with its allies. Many countries, such as Spain, Germany, Netherlands, or Italy, have indeed increased their engagement area. Yet, not only variety new actors are now involved response terrorism, but among key is also developing along political-strategic, organizational, procedural dimensions largely unexplored by existing literature. This paper specifically accounts multilevel configurations between 2012 2018. More this contribution twofold. First, theoretically, through concept “patchwork” proposes conceptual framework able investigate analyze apparently confusing multidimensional multi-actor counterterrorism. Second, it empirically researches analyzes types fulfil strategic positions patchwork. Overall, provides first complete account universe cooperative patterns.